If you are like most people, you consider your pets a part of your family. And we know that keeping all members of your family comfortable, even the furry ones, is a high priority. After all, their comfort plays a big part in their health and well-being.
Your HVAC system plays a major role in keeping everyone in your home comfortable and healthy, including your pets. However, when you have pets in your home, you need to pay a little more attention to your HVAC system because having pets in the home can affect its performance. Here is how you can keep everyone in your home comfortable and your heater happy.
Pets Add Dander and Hair to Your Home
Because most dogs and cats are continually shedding hair and dander throughout your home, it gets sucked into your system’s returns and can also collect in your vents. You can reduce the amount of hair and dander by practicing good grooming habits with pets. Check with your veterinarian to see how often you should bathe and brush your pet. Dogs or cats with thicker or double coats may require a special brush or tools to effectively remove loose hair.
Change Air Filters More Often
You should already be checking your heater’s air filter each month, but if you are not, now’s a good time to start. A filter that is clogged up with hair and pet dander makes your heating system work harder, use more energy and wear out sooner. If you find that your filters clog up frequently, you may have to change your air filters more often.
With busy lifestyles, it can be easy to let some household cleaning chores slide occasionally. Make sure to keep up with dusting and vacuuming around your home. This will help keep your air filter and ductwork cleaner. Do not forget to vacuum out your floor vents or returns to maintain proper air flow, too.
Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly
Pet hair and dander can get into your home’s ductwork. This increases the chance that this debris will be recirculated in the air or collect in your HVAC system. If you have pets, you should have your ductwork cleaned every two years. And if you have long-haired breeds, you may want to have it done annually.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Generally, pets can handle a higher degree of variation in temperatures than humans can. With a smart thermostat, you can program it to automatically lower the temperature a few degrees during the day while you are away at work. Just make sure that your pets have beds or blankets they can cuddle up with to keep warm when needed. Lowering your thermostat can also help cut your energy costs.
Whether you have pets or not, you should never skip your heater’s yearly tune-up. This critical service is that much more important when you have pets in your home. Contact Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your service today.
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